What Is Puke Tube? (Here Is the Secret Truth!)

If you’ve ever taken a closer look at the underside of your motorcycle, you may have noticed a set of rubber hoses hanging down near the engine or transmission.

These hoses are commonly referred to as “puke tubes” or “puke hoses” among motorcycle enthusiasts. Despite the rather unappealing name, puke tubes serve an important purpose in maintaining the overall health of your bike.

Puke tubes are designed to redirect excess oil or fluids that may overflow from the engine or transmission. These fluids can include oil, coolant, or even fuel. Lets delve in the subject to maintain your bike properly!

Overview of Puke Tube

The puke tube, also known as a blow-by tube or a breather hose, is a rubber hose that hangs loosely near the bottom of the engine/transmission area of your motorcycle.

This unassuming component may not grab your attention at first glance, but it plays an important role in maintaining the health and performance of your bike’s engine.

Let’s take a closer look at what the puke tube does and why it is essential.

What Is Puke Tube?

A puke tube is a slang term for the crankcase breather overflow tube on a motorcycle or bike. It is a small, clear hose that is typically located near the bottom of the engine. The puke tube allows excess oil vapor and condensation to escape from the crankcase, preventing it from building up and causing problems.

A Puke Tube, also known as an emesis tube or vomit bag, is a device or container used to collect and contain vomit.

The puke tube is often called a “puke tube” because it can sometimes emit a milky, frothy substance that resembles vomit. This substance is actually a mixture of oil, water, and condensation, and it is harmless.

However, it is important to drain the puke tube regularly to prevent it from overflowing and causing a mess.

To drain the puke tube, simply remove the plug at the end of the hose and allow the fluid to drain into a container. You can then replace the plug and continue riding your motorcycle or bike.

Here Are Some Tips for Draining Your Puke Tube:

• Do it when the engine is cold.
• Wear gloves and eye protection.
• Place a container underneath the end of the hose to catch the fluid.
• Replace the plug tightly after draining.

Draining your puke tube is a simple, but important, maintenance task that can help to keep your motorcycle or bike running smoothly.

Here Are Some Additional Information About Puke Tubes:

• The puke tube is typically connected to the airbox, but it may also be connected to the valve cover or the crankcase.
• The puke tube should be drained every few months, or more often if you ride in wet or cold conditions.
• If the puke tube is not drained regularly, it can overflow and cause a mess, or it can even clog and prevent the engine from running properly.

What Does It Do?

The primary function of the puke tube is to prevent excess pressure from building up within the engine.

As your motorcycle’s engine operates, it generates gases and vapors that can escape past the piston rings and enter the crankcase.

Without a properly functioning puke tube, these gases could cause pressure to build up, leading to potential damage to engine components.

Why Is It Important?

The puke tube plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of your motorcycle’s engine and promoting efficient operation.

By releasing built-up pressure, it helps prevent oil leaks, blown gaskets, or even engine failure.

It also allows for the proper circulation of air within the engine, facilitating the removal of harmful contaminants.

Maintenance and Inspection

Like other components of your motorcycle, the puke tube also requires regular maintenance and inspection to ensure its effectiveness. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Check the puke tube for any signs of damage, such as cracks or leaks.
• Ensure that the tube is free from blockages or obstructions.
• Verify that the ends of the tube are securely connected to the crankcase or cylinder head cover.
• If necessary, clean the tube to remove any accumulated debris or oil residue.

Remember, a properly functioning puke tube can contribute to the longevity and performance of your bike’s engine.

Regular inspection and maintenance will help you identify any issues early on and keep your motorcycle running smoothly.

How Puke Tubes Work?

Puke tubes, also known as breather hoses, are rubber hoses that hang freely near the bottom of the engine/transmission area of your bike.

These seemingly unassuming tubes serve an important purpose in the functioning of your motorcycle. Let’s take a closer look at how puke tubes work:

Venting Excess Pressure:

One of the primary functions of puke tubes is to vent excess pressure from the engine. During the combustion process, gases can build up inside the engine, creating pressure.

If this pressure becomes too high, it can cause damage to the engine seals or even lead to oil leaks. Puke tubes provide a pathway for these gases to escape, preventing potential harm to your bike’s engine.

Preventing Oil Issues:

Another crucial role of puke tubes is to prevent oil-related issues. As your engine operates, oil can become contaminated with condensation, fuel, or other contaminants.

Without a venting system, this mixture can cause problems such as oil leaks or excessive smoke. Puke tubes allow such substances to exit the engine, maintaining the quality and performance of your motorcycle’s oil.

How Puke Tubes are Designed:

Puke tubes are strategically positioned at the lower part of the engine/transmission area. Their location ensures that any excess pressure or unwanted substances are expelled away from critical components.

These tubes are typically made of rubber or other durable materials that can withstand engine heat and various weather conditions.

Maintenance and Cleaning:

Although puke tubes play an important role in your bike’s performance, they can become clogged or blocked over time. It is crucial to periodically inspect and clean these tubes to ensure efficient operation.

Cleaning them typically involves removing any accumulated debris or dirt and checking for any signs of damage or wear. Regular maintenance will help maintain the effectiveness of your puke tubes.

In essence, puke tubes are an essential part of your motorcycle’s engine ventilation system. By venting excess pressure and preventing oil issues, these rubber hoses contribute to the overall health and performance of your bike.

Regular inspection and maintenance of puke tubes will help keep your motorcycle running smoothly, allowing you to enjoy your rides without any hiccups.

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Benefits of Puke Tubes

When it comes to the engine or transmission area of your bike, it’s essential to ensure proper ventilation and maintenance.

Puke tubes, also known as breather hoses or crankcase vent hoses, play a crucial role in achieving this. Let’s explore some of the benefits these rubber hoses can offer:

1. Prevents Oil Contamination: Puke tubes help prevent oil contamination by allowing any excess oil or vapor to escape.

This is particularly important in high-performance engines, where the internal pressure can build up, potentially resulting in oil seepage.

By venting the crankcase gases, puke tubes help maintain optimal oil levels and prevent the possibility of oil mixing with other engine components.

2. Reduces Pressure Build-Up: The ventilation system provided by puke tubes aids in reducing pressure build-up inside the engine or transmission. As the engine operates, gases can accumulate and create internal pressure.

Puke tubes provide a pathway for these gases to escape, ensuring that pressure levels remain within an acceptable range. This not only promotes better engine performance but also helps to prevent damage to seals and gaskets caused by excessive pressure.

3. Minimizes Moisture Accumulation: Another advantage of puke tubes is their ability to minimize moisture accumulation within the engine or transmission area.

Moisture can be a byproduct of combustion processes or external factors such as weather conditions. If left unchecked, excess moisture can promote corrosion and damage essential engine components.

Puke tubes help to expel this moisture, reducing the risk of corrosion and prolonging the lifespan of your bike’s engine.

4. Enhances Engine Efficiency: By maintaining proper ventilation, puke tubes contribute to the overall efficiency of the engine.

Effective ventilation prevents the formation of air pockets that could impede the smooth operation of pistons, valves, and other moving parts.

Improved efficiency leads to better fuel combustion, reduced emissions, and potentially increased longevity of engine components.

5. Easy Maintenance: Puke tubes are relatively easy to install and maintain. Regular inspection and cleaning of these hoses can help ensure their optimal functioning.

It is important to check for any blockages or damage that could compromise their effectiveness.

Additionally, replacing worn-out or deteriorated puke tubes can be a simple and cost-effective way to maintain the health of your bike’s engine.

6. Wide Availability: Puke tubes are widely available in the market, both from motorcycle manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers.

This accessibility makes it easy to find replacements or upgrade options tailored to your specific bike model.

Puke tubes offer several benefits that contribute to the efficient functioning and longevity of your bike’s engine.

Installation of Puke Tubes

Installing puke tubes on your bike can be a simple and effective way to prevent oil leaks and keep your engine clean.

In this section, we will walk you through the steps to install puke tubes on your bike’s engine or transmission area.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Locate the Perfect Spot: Look for the rubber hoses that dangle freely near the bottom of the engine or transmission area of your bike. These are usually the puke tubes, and you will need to replace them with new ones.
2. Remove the Old Tubes: Gently loosen any clamps or fasteners that hold the old puke tubes in place. Once loose, carefully pull the old tubes off the fittings. Be cautious not to damage any nearby components during this process.
3. Prepare the New Tubes: Cut the new puke tubes to the appropriate length. It’s essential to ensure that the new tubes are long enough to hang freely near the bottom of the engine or transmission area.
4. Attach the New Tubes: Slide one end of the new tube onto the fitting and secure it in place with a clamp or fastener. Repeat this step for all the puke tubes you are replacing. Make sure the tubes fit snugly, but not too tightly, to allow for any expansion or movement.
5. Test for Proper Installation: Once all the new tubes are securely attached, start your bike’s engine and let it run for a few minutes. Keep an eye on the puke tubes to ensure that there are no leaks or blockages. If you notice any issues, recheck the connections and ensure they are properly secured.

Maintenance Tips for Puke Tubes

Puke tubes, those rubber hoses that dangle freely near the bottom of the engine/transmission area of your bike, may not be the most glamorous part of your motorcycle, but they play a vital role in keeping your ride running smoothly.

To ensure optimal performance and longevity, here are a few maintenance tips to keep in mind:

1. Regular Inspection

The first step in maintaining your puke tubes is to inspect them regularly. Look for any signs of wear, cracks, or leaks. Ensure that the hoses are securely attached to their fittings and that there are no loose connections.

A visual inspection can help you identify any issues early on and prevent potential problems down the road.

2. Cleaning

Over time, puke tubes can collect grime, dirt, and debris, which can clog the system and affect its efficiency. To keep them functioning properly, it’s important to clean them periodically.

Use a mild detergent and a soft brush to gently remove any buildup. Be cautious not to use any harsh chemicals that could damage the rubber hoses.

3. Preventive Measures

To minimize the risk of damage to your puke tubes, consider taking some preventive measures. Avoid riding through deep water or mud puddles, as these can introduce moisture and contaminants into the system.

Additionally, be mindful of low-hanging branches or other potential hazards that could snag or tear the hoses.

4. Replacement

Like any other component on your bike, puke tubes have a finite lifespan. Depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations, it is advisable to replace them at regular intervals, even if they appear to be in good condition.

This proactive approach can help prevent unexpected failures and ensure the continued smooth operation of your motorcycle.

5. Professional Assistance

If you’re unsure about any aspect of maintaining your puke tubes or if you notice any significant issues during your inspection, it’s always wise to seek professional assistance.

An experienced mechanic can provide expert advice, diagnose any problems, and carry out necessary repairs or replacements if required.

Common Issues with Puke Tubes

Puke tubes, also known as breather hoses, are rubber hoses that hang freely near the lower part of your bike’s engine/transmission area.

They play an important role in preventing excessive pressure buildup in the engine by allowing gases and fluids to escape.

However, like any other component, puke tubes can encounter some common issues. Let’s take a closer look at them:

1. Clogging: Over time, puke tubes can become clogged with dirt, debris, or engine oil residue. This can restrict the flow of gases and fluids, leading to unwanted pressure buildup. Regular maintenance and cleaning of puke tubes can help prevent this issue.
2. Leaks: Prolonged exposure to various external factors, such as heat and vibrations, can cause the rubber material of puke tubes to deteriorate. This may result in cracks or holes, leading to leaks. Leakage can hamper the proper functioning of the engine and should be addressed promptly.
3. Incorrect Installation: Improper installation of puke tubes can cause them to kink, bend, or come into contact with other engine components. This can restrict the flow of gases and fluids, ultimately affecting the overall performance of the bike. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when installing or replacing puke tubes.
4. Degradation: Prolonged exposure to harsh environmental conditions, like extreme temperatures or chemicals, can cause puke tubes to degrade. This degradation can lead to the formation of cracks, brittleness, or overall weakening of the hoses. Regular inspection and replacement, if necessary, can help maintain optimal performance and avoid potential issues.
5. Leaks at Connections: Puke tubes are typically connected to various engine components, such as the valve cover or airbox. If these connections become loose or worn out, they can result in leaks. It is essential to regularly inspect connections and ensure they are securely fastened to prevent any leaks from occurring.

Watch Video: What Is Puke Tube?

Troubleshooting Puke Tube Problems

So, you’ve noticed some issues with the puke tube on your bike? Don’t panic! It’s a common problem that many riders face. In this section, we’ll discuss some troubleshooting tips to help you identify and solve any puke tube issues you may encounter.

Check for Clogs

If your puke tube isn’t working properly, it could be due to a clog. Start by inspecting the tube for any debris or obstructions.

Gently remove anything that might be blocking the flow of fluids. Keep in mind that the puke tube is designed to allow excess fluids, such as oil or coolant, to escape, so it’s important to keep it clear for proper functioning.

Ensure Proper Attachment

Sometimes, puke tube problems can occur if the hose isn’t securely attached to the engine or transmission.

Double-check that the hose is tightly fastened with the appropriate clamps or connectors. Loose attachments can cause leakage or even detachment, which can lead to potential damage to your bike’s engine.

Evaluate Hose Condition

Over time, the puke tube hose can deteriorate due to exposure to heat and other environmental factors.

Inspect the hose for any cracks, splits, or signs of wear. If you notice any damage, it’s crucial to replace the hose to maintain the proper functioning of your puke tube.

Monitor Fluid Levels

Keep an eye on your bike’s fluid levels, particularly oil and coolant. If you notice a significant decrease in these levels, it could be an indication of puke tube problems.

Excessive fluid loss may signal a blockage or malfunction in the puke tube system. Regularly checking fluid levels will help you identify potential issues early on.